Suspicious husband who threatened to kill any man he found in his wife's house is spared jail

John Hemmings admitted harrassing his wife and was given a suspended sentence.

A suspicious husband searched his wife’s house with a knife in his hand threatening to kill any man he found there.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how John Hemmings, 49, of Cardigan Close, Tonteg, near Pontypridd, had separated from his wife Elaine because of his drinking and his accusations.

But he was still convinced she was having an affair and conducted a two week campaign of harassment at her home in Church Village.

David Thomas, prosecuting, said Hemmings first went there on June 16 when he grabbed her arm, tried to snap her thumb and then punched her in one eye.

He said: “He was put on police bail but went back in July, banging on the door.

“She looked out and thought he seemed sober so let him in but described him as ‘like a madman’ when he got inside.

“He picked up a knife in the kitchen saying ‘where’s your boyfriend? I’m going to kill him’ and searched every room in the house.”

He found no one and left but the next day he was back, walking in when his wife let the dog out and punched her again.

After making her statement, Mrs Hemmings told police that she no longer wanted to cooperate with a prosecution against her husband and that she did not seek a restraining order against him.

Barrister Claire Fear, defending, said: “They were married for 13 years but that marriage broke down as a result of him believing she was having an extra marital affair.”

Judge Thomas Crowther QC said: “She punched you back that time quite rightly, but you returned at 2am and shouted to be let in, kicked her car and said ‘the car’s going to have it and you are going to have it’”.

The judge gave Hemmings, who had pleaded guilty to harassment, a suspended sentence of eight months with supervision and a three-month tagged curfew.

He must also attend a probation course called ‘respectful relationships’ as the judge said this would be the best way to protect Mrs Hemmings.

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